Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc ("Paragon Offshore") - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Billions		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2014 shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Agreement
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of transition services agreements | Agreement		2
Paragon Offshore [Member]
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long-term debt issued | $		$ 1.7
Pro rata distribution		Our shareholders received one share of Paragon Offshore for every three shares of Noble owned as of July 23, 2014, the record date for the distribution.
Minimum shares eligible for pro rata allotment under spin off transaction	3
Shares received under spin off transaction	1